Destination Information

High in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, straddling the borders of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is one of the most cherished family vacation spots in the United States. Over three million people and families visit Lake Tahoe annually to enjoy its pristine environment and abundant outdoor adventures. Snow and skiing have become favorites, with the area boasting a dozen world-class ski resorts, while the Lake with its many beaches, watersports and crystal clear blue waters entices the Spring, Summer and Fall destination guests. There are waterfront restaurants all over the lake, most equipped with docks and buoys. Perfect for Lake Tahoe family vacations, there is an assortment of boating events, such as sailboat racing, firework shows over the lake, as well as guided cruises.

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe family resort is situated mid-mountain at Northstar California Resort, a 10-minute drive from Lake Tahoe and the historic town of Truckee. Squaw Valley USA, the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics, is a 20-minute drive from the luxury North Lake Tahoe resort.

The Village at NorthstarThe Village at Northstar offers outdoor shopping with a mix of dining, specialty boutiques and a two-screen movie theater all centered around a year-round skating rink the entire family can enjoy. For a map of the village retailers and restaurants, click here.

TruckeeLocated just ten minutes from our Lake Tahoe family resort, Truckee is a historically rich mountain town surrounded by jaw-dropping Sierra Nevada scenery. Its authentic charm and small town character will captivate you. Truckee’s quaint historic downtown is full of unique dining options and specialty boutiques. Click here for a walking map of downtown Truckee.

One of Truckee’s greatest allures is the abundance of activities for the outdoor enthusiast. In the summer, you can enjoy fishing, rock climbing, water-skiing, sailing, windsurfing and river rafting. Hikers have miles of trails to choose from including the Pacific-Crest Trail which will take you to mountain meadows filled with wildflowers and breathtaking scenery. A winter wonderland, Truckee is within minutes of eight major ski resorts. There is also dog sledding, snowshoeing, ice skating, snowmobiling, sledding, tubing, snowshoeing, ice skating, snowmobiling, sledding and tubing – unlimited possibilities to create an unforgettable Lake Tahoe family vacation.

Tahoe CitySituated on the Western shore of North Lake just 25 minutes from the resort, Tahoe City offers superb shopping and dining options. An array of year-round activities - including snow sports in winter and hiking, camping, fishing and water sports in summer - make this small town a wonderful place to spend time with the family, enjoy world-class recreation or just relax and enjoy the view. Enjoy four-star dining, homegrown coffee shops, elegant boutique shopping, art galleries, a walk along the lakeside trail system or Tahoe City's century-old heritage, historic sites and museums. Click here to learn more about what there is to see and do in Tahoe City.

Tahoe VistaTahoe Vista is a favorite spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Lake lovers can kayak from one of several hidden beaches or take a motorized excursion. Tahoe Vista also sports year-round trailheads for mountain biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, a disc golf course and nature trails.

Lake Tahoe FactsThe Lake Tahoe Basin was geologically formed about two million years ago. Over time, snowmelt from the surrounding mountain peaks filled the basin creating Lake Tahoe, one of the deepest freshwater lakes in the United States with a maximum depth of 1,645 feet and 72 miles of shoreline.

The area around Lake Tahoe was originally inhabited by the Washoe tribe of Native Americans. Lake Tahoe was the center and heart of Washoe Indian territory, including the upper valleys of the Walker, Carson, and Truckee Rivers. The English name for Lake Tahoe derives from the Washo dá’aw, meaning lake.

Take an exciting snowmobile ride through the Tahoe National Forest and experience spectacular panoramic views the Sierra Mountain Range and Lake Tahoe.

Ride the gondola to the nearby Village at Northstar and take a spin around the ice skating rink

Ski Northstar California for the region’s best conditions, currently offering 13 lifts providing access to 70 trails, 3 terrain parks and 75 park features thanks to the most extensive snowmaking system in Lake Tahoe. Learn more.